Accounting/Finance Intern

Job Description

Accounting Intern | NorthWestern Energy

The Tone:
This is a temporary internship at NorthWestern Energy, an energy provider committed to delivering reliable services to its customers. This role is crucial for supporting daily cash operations and ensuring accurate financial record-keeping within the company. It offers a valuable opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience and apply foundational accounting knowledge in a corporate setting.

The TL;DR
• Role: Internship
• Type: Temporary (Full-time May-August, Part-time September-December)
• Pay: $20–$21 hourly
• Mission: Support daily cash operations and ensure accurate recording and reconciliation of financial transactions through diligent research and collaboration.
• Tech Stack: Microsoft Excel (formulas, pivot tables, lookups), SAP (or other ERP/accounting systems)

What You’ll Actually Do
• Reconcile: Assist with daily bank reconciliations by reviewing cash activity and reconciling deposits and receipts for accuracy.
• Collaborate: Partner with cross-functional teams including Remittance, Customer Care, and Treasury to ensure cash deposits are accurately recorded.
• Research: Investigate incoming non-utility bill payments to ensure they are correctly applied within the financial systems.
• Document: Prepare and maintain supporting documentation and tracking logs, diligently following up on open items and variances to support accurate reporting.
• Analyze: Utilize Microsoft Excel to build and update reconciliation schedules and summaries, employing pivot tables and lookups to support daily cash operations.

The Must-Haves
• Background: Currently pursuing an Accounting, Finance, or related business major; must have successfully completed sophomore year or above (junior/senior standing preferred) and be in good academic standing. Foundational knowledge of accounting principles, including debits/credits and accruals, is required.
• Experience: Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including the use of formulas, pivot tables, and lookups; comfort with learning new financial systems; and an interest in cash operations, reconciliation work, and research.
• Skills: Strong attention to detail and organizational abilities; capacity to manage multiple priorities and deadlines effectively; and the ability to communicate professionally, both in writing and verbally.
• Bonus: Experience with ERP/accounting software is a plus; completion of the Get Into Energy – Energy Industry Fundamental 2.0 certification is also beneficial.